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Approve a 3 year Memorandum of Understanding between the Community Action Partnership of Solano, Joint Powers Authority and the Cities of Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, and Vallejo for further implementation of the Housing First Solano Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System for $214,228, effective upon execution by all cities through June 30, 2021
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends the Board approve a three- year Memorandum of Understanding between the Community Action Partnership of Solano (CAP Solano), Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and the Cities of Benicia, Dixon, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Suisun City, Vacaville, and Vallejo for further implementation of the Housing First Solano Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System for $214,228, effective upon execution by all cities through June 30, 2021.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In March 2017, CAP Solano JPA released a five-year strategic plan to respond to homelessness in Solano County at the direction of the County and 7-member Cities which was presented to the City County Coordinating Council and then separately shared with the Board. One of the key core goals of the five-year strategic plan is to improve system navigation by 1) increasing outreach and engagement; 2) reducing the number of people entering the homeless assistance system; 3) improving system-wide communication, collaboration, and coordination; and 4) increasing the supply and diversity of housing and service options to accommodate varied needs of priority subpopulations.
CAP Solano JPA receives over $1,000,000 annually from HUD that may be used for services and housing for the homeless as the Continuum of Care funding stream. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires recipients of Continuum of Care and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program funding to use a coordinated entry system. Coordinated Entry provides a standardized approach to assess the housing and service needs of homeless individuals and families and refer them to appropriate available resources that are needed to end their homelessness. CAP Solano JPA is under contract with HUD to employ 3.5 FTE and offer transportation assistance to clients for the current coordinated entry system used in Solano County, Resource Connect Solano. This HUD contract is operated and staffed by a subrecipient. The proposed MOU expands the coordinated entry system with the addition of 3.5 FTE subrecipient staff to administer, promote, and expand the system and identify housing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness. The MOU will also fund the establishment of landlord incentive programs to increase the supply of private housing opportunities for homeless individuals. Annuals reports to the County and each city will be provided at 12, 24 and 36 months.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The first-year Solano County cost of $70,000 associated with the MOU is included in the Department’s FY2018/19 Approved Budget and is a County General Fund contribution approved by the Board during the June 19, 2018 Budget Hearings. Subsequent funding for the remaining two years of the MOU will need to be included in the County’s FY2019/20 and FY2020/21 budgets. The second-year cost of $71,400 and third year cost of $72,828 will be reflected in future year budgets. The total MOU cost for the County is $214,228. If the MOU is not approved by all jurisdictions there will likely be a reduction in the scope of work to reflect reduced participation and funding.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to approve the MOU; however, this is not recommended as a coordinated entry system is required for HUD recipients and coordinated entry assists in the assessment and housing placement for individuals experiencing homelessness.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
CAP Solano JPA and each of its participating cities are proposed partners to the MOU. The Cities of Benicia and Suisun have already approved the MOU and the remaining cities will calendar the item on their October - November agendas.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION